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Official statements on execution of Rhoades

Gov. Otter releases statement on execution of Rhoades

BOISE — Governor C.L. "Butch" Otter released this statement today following the execution of Paul Ezra Rhoades.
"My thoughts and prayers are with the victims, their loved ones, the mother of Paul Ezra Rhoades and everyone who has been impacted by these crimes. Mr. Rhoades took full and unfettered advantage of his right to due process of law for more than twenty years. That process has run its course and Mr. Rhoades has been held accountable for his actions. The State of Idaho has done its best to fulfill this most solemn responsibility with respect, professionalism and most of all dignity for everyone involved."

Statement from Bishop Michael P. Driscoll of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Boise

"It is with sadness and disappointment that I learned the execution of Paul Rhoades was carried out by the State of Idaho this morning. While Mr. Rhoades' crimes were heinous, and his trial and sentencing met the standards of justice required by our state, the Catholic Church continues to believe that the sanction of death, when it is not necessary to protect society, violates respect for human life and dignity. Today I pray for the victims of Mr. Rhoades and for their families. I pray for the soul of Mr. Rhoades and for his family. I also pray that this will be the last execution ever to take place, in our state or anywhere else. In union with Catholic bishops throughout the country, I believe it is time for our nation to abandon the illusion that we can protect life by taking life. Ending the use of the death penalty would be one important step away from a culture of death toward building a culture of life."